Nestled in the picturesque Bear Lake Valley, Bear Lake Utah offers a captivating year-round destination with its crystal clear waters and captivating mountain views. Some of Bear Lake’s biggest attractions are the local festivals that attract travelers of all kinds! From ice-fishing escapades, classic cars, and pro sporting events to celebrations of Bear Lake’s famous raspberry harvest, here’s our guide to 7 Festive Annual Bear Lake Events to help plan your visit to Utah’s tropical Caribbean of the Rockies.
1. Bear Lake Monster Winterfest
When: January 25-28, 2024
Where: Bear Lake State Park Marina
Kick off the year with a bang at Bear Lake’s biggest winter event – the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest. Held at the Bear Lake State Park Marina, this three-day winter festival features a wide range of activities for all ages. This event has a winter sports and trails day with fat bikes, snow shoes, snowmobiles, and tubing. Bring the family out for a family-friendly 5K Run/Walk, the famous Cisco Disco, an icy Monster Plunge, and a cardboard boat regatta. Get all the scoop HERE in our Guide to Bear Lake Monster Winterfest.
2. Cody’s Car Show
When: June
Where: Water’s Edge Resort, Garden City
Rev up your engines and join the 7th Annual Car Show at Cody’s Gastro Garage at Water’s Edge Resort. This classic car extravaganza features a collection of classic and new show cars. Come on out for the meet and greets with celebrity visitors and live music. Raffles are held to benefit Cody’s scholarship fund for local high schools, and you can try delicious fast food from Cody’s Food Truck – they also cater year-round for family reunions in our Bear Lake Premier Cabins.
3. Bear Lake Trifecta Marathon
When: June 8-10, 2024
Where: Water’s Edge Resort, Garden City
Prepare for an epic racing experience at Bear Lake Trifecta Marathon, one of America’s favorite destination races. Members of the 50 States Marathon Club can check off three races in three states in three days with half marathon and full marathon courses in North Beach State Park in Idaho, Cokeville, Wyoming, and Bear Lake, Utah. The event starts with a pre-race welcome party at Water’s Edge Resort with great race swag for all participants.
4. Red, White & Caribbean Blue!
When: July
Where: Heritage Park
Kick off a summer of fun with a red, white, and Caribbean blue celebration on Bear Lake. The 4th of July weekend is the peak of summer fun with endless water sports and lake activities, small-town patriotic festivities, and live music, dancing, and festive fireworks over Bear Lake. Summer fills up fast, so be sure to book your July 4th Bear Lake cabin rentals well in advance. Click HERE to view availability!
5. Bear Lake Raspberry Days
When: August 1-4, 2024
Where: Heritage Park
Indulge your taste buds in the sweetest summer celebration at Bear Lake Raspberry Days, a 3-day festival filled with fun events and all things raspberry! The festival celebrates the harvest of Bear Lake’s famous raspberries in all forms – pie-eating contests, parades, craft fairs, golf scrambles, free Zumba classes, classic wild west rodeos, live music, fireworks, and so much more! Tempt your travel wanderlust and taste buds at the 2024 Bear Lake Raspberry Festival.
6. Bear Lake Brawl Triathlon
When: September
Where: Bear Lake Hot Springs, Idaho
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a challenge, a seasoned triathlete testing your limits, or a cheerleader for your crew, the Bear Lake Brawl Triathlon is a dynamic and family-friendly event experience for athletes and spectators alike. The Bear Lake Brawl Triathlon races are designed for participants of all skill levels, from absolute beginners to world-rank pro triathletes. Read our guide on the Bear Lake Brawl Triathlon to learn more!
7. Ski the Beav!
When: December
Where: Beaver Mountain Ski Resort
Ski the Beav! Embrace the winter wonderland of Bear Lake as the ski season kicks off with Opening Day at Beaver Mountain. Open mid-December to early April, Beaver Mountain Ski Resort is a family-friendly resort with 48 ski runs, terrain parks, and a mountain lodge with a rental shop, lessons, and the Beaver Mountain Grill to fuel up for a day on the slopes. Night skiing is available to book for private group events – the perfect adventure for a winter family getaway to Bear Lake.
8. Sparkle in the Park
When: November 25 – December 31; every night from 5-10 pm.
Where: Hopkins Park
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Bear Lake’s annual “Sparkle in the Park” event. The opening night promises a festive celebration, complete with free tailgate chili, hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies served from 5-7:30 p.m. The highlight of the evening will be a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Toyland Pavilion from 6:30-7:30 p.m. While admission is free, donations are welcome to help cover electricity, lights, and equipment costs. You can choose to stroll through the park or drive along the length of Hopkins Park to enjoy the captivating light displays. This enchanting event is sure to add a magical sparkle to your holiday season.
9. Torchlight Parade
When: December 31, 2023
Where: Snow Summit
Ring in the New Year with a spectacular display of light at the annual Torchlight Parade at Snow Summit. On December 31, 2023, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, witness a mesmerizing procession of skiers and snowboarders descending the mountain, torches in hand, creating a stunning trail of light against the snowy backdrop. This breathtaking spectacle is a cherished tradition and a unique way to bid farewell to the year gone by. Make sure to mark your calendars for an event that promises an unforgettable start to the New Year.
10. Community Christmas Celebration
When: December 2, 2023, at 7 p.m.
Where: Sunrise Resort and Event Center
The festive season comes alive at the Community Christmas Celebration hosted by Sunrise Resort and Event Center. This year’s highlight is the enchanting Christmas performance by the talented Alicia Blickfeldt. The evening promises joyous melodies and a warm, holiday atmosphere. Alicia’s soulful music captures the true spirit of the season, creating a magical experience for attendees of all ages. Mark your calendars for this special Christmas celebration that’s sure to add a touch of sparkle to your holiday festivities.
11. Skijoring at Bear Lake
When: February 24-26, 2024
Where: Heritage Park & Garden City Pond
Skijoring, which involves a skier being pulled by a horse, dog, or motor vehicle, is a unique sport that offers a thrilling journey across stunning snowy landscapes. Bear Lake hosts an annual Skijoring competition, inviting riders of all levels to participate. This year’s event will take place at Heritage Park & Garden City Pond in Garden City, Utah.
To participate, you’ll need to decide on your method of transportation – whether that be a horse, snowmobile, or something else – and gather your own ski equipment. Alpine and cross-country skis are both suitable, and no poles are required as your hands will be occupied holding onto a rope. Remember to dress warmly and wear a helmet for protection.
Even if you’re not participating, Skijoring is a fantastic sport to watch. So, mark your calendars and come cheer on the contestants. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Let our team at Bear Lake Premier Cabins be your guide to four seasons of adventure in Bear Lake Utah. Winter, spring, summer, and fall – we have a large group cabin rental for you all!
